“He explained to me that he arrived from Mali a few months ago while dreaming of building his life here. I replied that his heroic gesture is an example for all citizens and that the city of Paris will obviously be keen to support him in his efforts to settle in France,” Hidalgo tweeted.

The young Malian migrant is to be made a French citizen, President Emmanuel Macron said Monday.

Mamoudou Gassama, who met with Macron after the video of his rescue went viral on social media, will also be offered a place in the fire brigade, the president added.